The one question that was asked most over the 2009 holidays was:
What weight category should I buy if my weight is right on the edge of a weight category? For example: 130 lbs, 155 lbs, 175 lbs, or 200 lbs.
Well if you browse the internet you may find many different answers, but after selling many thousands of jumping stilts and listening to buyers’ opinions on a daily basis, here’s what I recommend:
It all comes down to your intentions, your personal aggressiveness and your age……….
INTENTIONS:
Remember, as with any new sporting activity, there is a learning curve when you start using jumping stilts. For the average person this learning curve seems to be around 10-14 days of actual use. For some it’s much shorter.
If you are buying jumping stilts for fun, or running, maybe a workout replacement, or just to be a show off…….if you want the units to be very springy on day one……..if you want to grasp the concept of jumping stilts quickly……..if you are not the most aggressive person on your block……or if you plan on sharing your units with friends – other newbies……..and if you do not have intentions of trying to jump as high as you can in the first month or two….…..then you may want to buy the weight category below. You will have more fun!
Buying below will allow you to bend the springs without much effort. Also, when you start using jumping stilts your legs will feel like noodles, so bending the springs without much effort is a bit rewarding.
The down side to buying the weight category below is – in a month you will get stronger, much stronger. Once you learn the concept of using jumping stilts and discover how to put energy into the springs, there is an inherent need to go big. Going big when using a lower weight category has it’s drawbacks. If you buy a spring in the weight category below, you may bottom out on your springs. And when you bottom out – you can not go any higher. Some will say – “so what – I love these springy units and 95% of the time they give me all I ask. I have no need to jump over cars or sit in basketball rims.”
Remember, you can always buy the next size up “springs”. Alpine Innovations, LLC stocks all sizes of springs. Some people have 2-3 different sizes for different occasions and intentions. You do not need to buy a new unit to get bigger springs!
On the other hand – if you want to eventually jump very high…….if you are a self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie………..if jumping over hedges, over cars, onto second story balconies……..even performing multiple flips gets your blood boiling……….you should buy the higher weight category. The springs, however, will feel stiff for most of you during the first few weeks. As you walk around during the first week or two, the springs may bend very little. At times you may feel like your jumping stilts are more like wooden stilts instead of stilts with springs. In my opinion that’s OK. Do not judge your springs or you ability to use the springs during the first 2-3 weeks.
Remember there is a learning curve? The learning curve is not only about learning how to generate energy in the springs, it’s also about developing leg and core strength. Using jumping stilts is a new activity for your body. Your muscles are not used to these types of movements. Be patient, and don’t over train during the first few weeks. Allow your body to get used to the new movements. If you go hard on day two, you could easily stress a body part.
After 2-3 weeks of continual use you will begin to feel very comfortable with the big springs. Your ability to jump and store energy will greatly increase. If you try to go big, the springs will give you everything you need – for years!! You will never bottom out…….at least most of you won’t. I have had gymnasts move through several weight categories in the first couple of weeks. But that is an exception.
This article is for those with a weight right on the edge of a weight category. Everyone else SHOULD BUY THEIR APPROPRIATE WEIGHT CATEGORY to start.
AGE:
If you are over 35, you should buy the lower category to start out. The new movements and the bouncing won’t be such a shock to your legs.
I hope this helps your buying decision…..and please let us know how you are doing after the first few weeks! Now you know what size jumping stilts to buy go do it!
Cheers,
AT Admin
